Education News And Notes

Help With School Costs

Posted

(NAPSI)—There may be good news for many parents struggling to afford tutoring, special education services or a school that better meets their child’s needs: Help could be on the way.

What’s Happening

A new federal scholarship program launching in 2027 will help families pay for private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, transportation, educational technology, and more. Unlike traditional school choice programs, which often focus on helping families afford private schools, this program will benefit students in many different learning environments, including public school.

How it Works

The program works through private donations. Beginning January 1, 2027, taxpayers can contribute to qualified nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 annually, or $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. SGOs will use those donations to award scholarships to students.

The scholarships are designed to reach a broad range of families. Generally, students qualify if their household income falls below 300% of the median income in their area, with adjustments for family size. The U.S. Treasury estimates approximately 96% of students in participating states could meet the eligibility requirements, although qualifying does not guarantee a scholarship.

There is one important catch: States must choose to participate for students to be eligible. However, donors in any state may contribute to any qualified SGO and receive credit. 

As of early October, 30 states had elected to join the program, according to EdChoice. 

Parents interested in applying should check whether their state participates, find qualified scholarship organizations and watch for application announcements.

The new program reflects a broader idea behind school choice: Families should have access to educational opportunities that fit their children’s individual needs, regardless of where they live or how much they earn.

Learn More

For more information about eligibility, participating states and how to prepare, visit: EdChoice.org/federal-tax-credit-for-scholarships.

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"A new federal program reflects a broader idea behind school choice: Families should have access to educational opportunities that fit their children’s individual needs, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, explain the experts at EdChoice."